Born Jan. 15, 1954, in Williamsport, he was the son to the late Charles E. Welch and the former Charlotte F. Fisher. Also preceding him in death was a nephew, Michael Metil.

Throughout his life Mike was involved in coaching little league, refereeing High School Basketball, taught Sunday school at the Jersey Shore Presbyterian Church, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge 232.

After retiring from DEP, he began working at Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. as the environmental director, where he worked with his son.

His greatest love was spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and son-in-law.

He was our guiding light and will forever be our true north.

Surviving are his loving wife, the former Margaret Bierly; two children, Benjamin (Victoria) Welch, of Lock Haven, and Corrie (Luke) Roadarmel, of Jersey Shore; a granddaughter, Ruby Roadarmel; sisters, Katherine J. Welch, of Newberry, and Cay S. Welch, of Colorado; father and mother-in-law, Dr. Frederick and Marilyn Bierly, of Jersey Shore; brother-in-law, Michael Bierly; and nieces, Rachel and Sophie Bierly.

A memorial service honoring the life of Michael will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore. Friends and family may call 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening, February 22 at Welker Funeral Home.

Burial will be in the Cammal Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Lycoming County SPCA, 2805 Reach Road, Williamsport, PA 17701 or the Cammal Cemetery Association, c/o George Durrwachter, PO Box 2, Cammal, PA 17723.